At Praia Fluvial do Rabaçal, wooden walkways extend all the way to the river. The bathing area is on the right bank of the Rabaçal, in the parish of Possacos, in the municipality of Valpaços and the district of Vila Real. Its riverfront combines access to the river with several facilities: these include a bar, a well-equipped picnic area, a children’s playground, a recreation area, showers, changing rooms and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Parque de Campismo do Rabaçal is right next to Praia Fluvial.
Riverside scenery and trails
There are also various starting points for exploring the Rabaçal beyond the immediate riverbank. Centro Interpretativo da Ecovia do Rabaçal is the meeting point for three hiking trails that form part of the Rabaçal River long-distance route. Passadiços da Ribeira da Fraga are among the experiences not to be missed in the municipality of Valpaços. A visitor route is suggested for some of the wine presses carved into the rock, known as Lagares Cavados na Rocha.
For those wishing to compare routes using specific details, there are two different options: the section of the Vias Augustas XVII in the Valpaços district is 19 kilometres long and passes through the parish of Valpaços, including the village of Lagoas. It is approved to the standards of the Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal and signposted along its entire length. By contrast, a BTT circular route in the Valpaços, Valverde and Possacos area covers 25 kilometres and is classified as difficult. The distance figures therefore refer to a route section and a circular route respectively; the circular route also has a difficulty rating.
Wine, olive oil and regional history
Casa do Vinho de Valpaços is an interactive museum dedicated to the history, characteristics and distinctive features of viticulture and wines in the Trás-os-Montes region. Viticulture and wine culture have a long history in Valpaços. Institutions and associations based there include Comissão Vitivinícola Regional de Trás-os-Montes, Adega Cooperativa de Valpaços, TRASVINIS, Confraria dos Vinhos Transmontanos and Casa do Vinho.
Olive oil is another chapter in the region’s food history: Azeite de Trás-os-Montes produced in Valpaços has been certified as a DOP since 1996. Olive growing in the municipality dates back to the first half of the 16th century. The two facts highlight different points: the certification has a specific year, while olive cultivation goes back several centuries further.
Churches and traces of the past
Cultural heritage is also evident in churches with histories dating to different periods. Igreja Matriz de Santa Valha is protected as an IIP – Imóvel de Interesse Público; its construction was commissioned around 1657 by Abbot Nuno Álvares. Igreja Matriz de São Vicente is also protected as an Imóvel de Interesse Público. It was probably built in the 17th century and stands on the remains of a possibly medieval predecessor. In Carrazedo de Montenegro, the protected Igreja de São Nicolau was rebuilt at the end of the reign of D. João V.
In Sonim, the history of the parish church dedicated to Santa Maria goes back at least to the 12th century; it originally belonged to the royal patronage. Fragas-Gralheiras in Sonim is considered a place of impressive scenery. An old watermill can also be seen at Praia Fluvial de Sonim. Together, these places show how historic buildings, landscapes and a spot by the water each offer their own insights.
An unpaved road leads to Castro da Lama de Ouriço from Lama de Ouriço, by the Sá–Alvarelhos municipal road, at kilometre 19 of the EN 213. This links the route described to a specific road reference. Praia Fluvial de Rio Torto lies in the parish of Rio Torto, a few kilometres from the town of Valpaços. Boat or kayak trips are possible there, and Praia also has good access.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Santa Maria De Emeres, Friões, Fornos do Pinhal, Vales, Vilaranda Boa, Montalegre, Oura, Mondim De Basto.
For the wider travel overview: Vila Real.
